Women's Participation in Management and Economic Success of a Co-operative Society as a Business Venture: an Analysis of Shirika Sacco Society Between 1994-2004

Abstract

The first Co-operative was started in Kenya in 1908 at Lumbwa (now Kipkelion) in Kericho district of Rift Valley Province where dairy farmers came together to market their products collectively. Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965 on 'African Socialism and its implications on planning' paved the way for rapid proliferation of Co-operatives since the Government recognised them as avenues to mobilise domestic savings. In 1969 the government encouraged registration of co-operatives based on employment (SACCOs). Shirika SACCO was one of the first to be registered for employees of the Ministry of Co-operative Department In this study analysis of participation of women in Shirika SACCO activities and management was done to relate this participation to its economic growth. The study found out that the SACCO had contributed to the improvement of living conditions of their members' especially lowincome earners (secretaries, clerks and subordinate staff:)who have all been able to access loans to educate their children and invest productively. However, women were under supervision of men and found it difficult to represent them in the SACCO. The study found that the SACCO had structural gender inequality occasioned by retention of some women leaders in the management of the SACCO,. and perpetuated by a persisting belief gap among members. The study did not find any relationship between women participation and economic growth of the SACCO. The study recommends streamlining of policy formulation and guidelines by MOCD& M. on operations of SACCOs. It calls for research into gender issues within Co-operatives, as well as. Policy formulation on gender issues to be informed by the research. There is need for Legal and structural reforms within the movement to entrench gender equality.